Meet Brittany Marquez | Hairstylist & colorist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brittany Marquez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brittany, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was working at a commission only salon for almost eight years and the pay structure suddenly switched over to hourly pay rates. I felt as if there was a glass ceiling over my earning potential and the only way my income would increase was if I qualified for a raise. At that point I knew that I had to put a down payment on faith and take the leap into becoming my own boss. There was so much fear behind that decision, like what if my clients don’t follow me? What if I try and I fail? But also what if I try and I succeed? No one has ever been shamed for trying something new and failing, because it is not failing. It is learning and growing from those mishaps.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When I began to think about longterm career choices I knew sitting at a desk wasn’t for me. I wanted to connect with people and wanted a career that didn’t feel like it was work, and thats what being a hairstylist does for me. However, the road to get here has not been easy. Being in charge of peoples vanity is a lot of weight to carry on your shoulders. I would be lying if I said that every single person that has left my chair has been satisfied. I have had some people tear me apart with their words, I’ve cried, been ready to quit, I’ve had many self doubting conversations in my head. The things that didn’t go right while behind the chair taught me to have thick skin, I will not please every single person that sits in my chair, and to keep showing up, even when you’re ready to quit. This journey has been a wild ride and in no way was anything handed to me. I moved to Colorado at 20 years old and just figured it out, I worked two jobs to get me through cosmetology school, and dedicated days off to in salon trainings to advance my skillset. This career is hard on the body, but the relationships I have built along the way make all the tears, body aches and stresses worth it. I genuinely do care about each person that sits in my chair, whether its your first visit or you’ve been coming to me for years. There is no better feeling than turning someone to the mirror and seeing their face light up and hear the words “this is better than I expected!” Thats why I love what I do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would definitely make sure we get a live music experience at Red Rocks Amphitheater, there is no better place in the world!! Denver Art Museum would be next on the list, with the ever changing exhibits it would be a fun experience. They might hate me for this one (ha ha) but doing the manitou incline is a must. The climb is exhausting but totally worth it once you reach the top. Then it would be another adventure to hanging lake, no words can describe natures beauty there.
As far as food thats a tough one to narrow down because I am such a foodie, but brunch by Sloans lake at Ruperts is always a good time, and if we aren’t brunching there you can catch us at snooze, another one of my favorites. Then we would hit up a happy hour at iFish off of Park Ave., one of the best sushi spots in Denver, in my opinion. I would also take them to Rock Rest in Golden. You get all walks of life here, its always a guraranteed good time and the wings are amazing, just be careful with that gringo killer sauce. As far as a night out in the city I would start them off at retro room for their pickle shots, and knowing us we would end up at the gin mill dancing the night away.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In all true honesty I can’t dedicate my successes to just one person. The reason I am where I am in my career today is all thanks to my parents, fiancé, clients, cosmetology school, and my mentors at my first salon home. If it weren’t for the support of my parents when I chose to walk away from college and move to a different state and pursue my dreams, I’m not sure that my journey to get where I am today would’ve been as easy. My fiancé has been my biggest cheerleader since the day we met. He has always pushed me to be the best version of myself even when I don’t feel like showing up. As far as my clients each and every person that has sat in my chair has helped me grow not only skillset wise, but also into the person that I am today. I am forever grateful for the growing relationships I have with them! And most of all where it all began at the Academy of Cosmetology Arts, which provided an apprenticeship program to obtain my school hours in a salon outside of school. Which led me to my first mentors Ame and Dennis Metcalfe, who had a new talent training program that advanced my skillset and allowed me to build a clientele all while still being in school.

Instagram: @hairtingzby.britt.kayee